The loop of freedom
4 points of interest
HistoryLisa and Hans Fittko Memorial
Lisa Fittko, born Elizabeth Eckstein, was a resistance fighter, writer, and socialist activist, born on August 23, 1909, in Austria-Hungary, and passed away on March 12, 2005, in Chicago. She authored two memoirs about the war in Europe.
An anti-fascist activist, she sought to escape to Spain and made her way to Banyuls-sur-Mer, where she helped establish the "F" network (for Fittko), a passage route to Spain that operated until the spring of 1941. This network saved several hundred people, including the philosopher Walter Benjamin, who reached Port Bou. Unfortunately, Benjamin took his own life there. A beautiful memorial dedicated to him is located next to the Port-Bou cemetery.
Musée Maillol
Aristide Maillol did his first work at Banyuls-sur-Mer. The sculptures of female bodies with generous curves, which have been a great success, have been imagined and created here, in his house "La Métairie". Died in 1944, it is in the garden of his house that he rests today, it’s a museum open to the public. We can see his tomb (free access) adorned with the statue of the artist "The Mediterranean".!
PeakTorn's Peak
Peak located at 664 meters altitude.
FloraMediterranean Garden
The south-facing, shell-like configuration of this garden, sheltered from the Tramontane wind, creates a mild microclimate that favors a diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna. Today, the site hosts over 500 plant species. Numerous insects and birds complement this rich flora, creating an exceptional garden—a perfect playground for naturalists and photographers alike!
Description
Departure from the Banyuls-sur-Mer Tourist Office.
- Go up Avenue du Général de Gaulle towards Puig del Mas, then cross the river "La Baillaury" via the bridge. Continue on Avenue Pierre de Marca until you reach Place Abel Pages on the left.
- From the parking lot, continue towards the dirt track that leads to a path through the vineyards near Mas Guillaume. Continue on a paved road and turn left towards Col del Bast.
- At the pass, take the path that rises to the right and follow the trail for 500 meters. The trail follows the ridges of the massif. Pass under an electrical pylon and take the rocky path that crosses several scree slopes towards Col de Rumpissar at 538 meters above sea level.
- Turn left and take the path that ascends towards the Tour de Querroig at 672 meters above sea level, which offers you an exceptional 360° panorama.
- At "Col de Rumpissa", head towards Pla del Ras,
- "Col des Empedrats",
- "Col de Teixo",
- "Puig d'en Jorda"
- At "Col d'en Torn", turn right towards "Col de la Martina".
- At "Col de la Martina", descend onto the track that crosses Reg de la Roubine, then at the track junction, go straight, pass through a ford and another. There, the road becomes paved.
- Pass by "Mas Xatard".
- Arrival at the Aristide Maillol Museum. Cross the property and take the paved road that crosses the river "la Ballaury".
- Turn right from the museum parking lot onto a narrow road. Continue on the road to "Col de Banyuls" then "avenue du Général de Gaulle". At the end, turn right towards the Tourist Office."
- Departure : Tourist Office of Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Arrival : Tourist Office of Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Towns crossed : BANYULS SUR MER
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Follow the yellow markings. Bring water, snacks, a cap or hat, a windbreaker, and optionally a waterproof garment. Do not stray from the marked trails. Respect nature. Carry out any waste. Check the weather before leaving.
Transport
Bus 1€
Think about carpooling.
Think about carpooling.
Access and parking
D914
Parking :
Free market car park (except on Thursdays and Sundays, market days) and Baillaury car park"